Our Husband, Dad, Grandfather, Brother and Friend passed away Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018.
As our “Rock,” we remember his kindness, wisdom, guidance, funny stories, laughter and sense of humor.
Chuck was a building contractor in Idyllwild for 45 years — homes, additions, remodels — the creative force in countless Idyllwild projects — honest, hardworking, fair and true to the trade.
He loved Sara. They were so fortunate to have each other for 57 years. As a family man. his kids and grandchildren were the most important things in his life.
He was born in Paonia, Colorado, on Feb. 22, 1937. He came as a child with his family from Colorado to Ramona in 1945, and attended Palomar College and San Diego State. He served in the U.S Army, worked as a goldminer in Cripple Creek, Colorado, and then married Sara Jones in 1961.
After 10 years as a banker in San Diego, he had enough city life, called Ben Jones (his father in-law) and asked for a job.
After two years of learning the trade, and countless stitches, splinters and callouses over blisters, he started his own business in 1974 and has been building since then up until just a few days ago.
Always, we will remember his often “dry” sense of humor, his generosity, his hard-work ethic and his great smile. He was an avid reader and loved doing crossword puzzles. You wanted him on your team while playing Trivial Pursuit. He loved bass fishing, camping, going to the movies with Sara and then to Sherman’s for a pastrami sandwich.
He “truly” loved Idyllwild, and admired and respected his co -workers. He made so many friends here.
If you would care to share a story at the service, please feel free to speak. If you would rather not speak, please write it down and we will do our best to share your thoughts.
The service will be held outside at St. Hugh’s Episcopal Church at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27.
He is survived by wife Sara; son Charlie Clayton of Idyllwild and daughter Mary (James) Clayton Rees of Hemet; grandchildren May Rees of Pacific Beach and Huck Rees of Davis; siblings James Clayton of Newport Beach, Joanne Roberts (his twin sister) of Spring Valley, Doris Rende of Mission Viejo and Sylvia Howard of Clayton, California.
